What is Treasure?

Although Treasure includes any item found which is over 300years old and has a content of more than 10% gold or silver other, older items which do not comprise precious metal will be regarded as Treasure. Coins have to be two or more in number and be found in the same locality at the same time. Any object which is found in association with Treasure (eg a container or an item obviously placed with the Treasure) will also be regarded as Treasure.

Looking For Treasure

If you use a metal detector then always obtain permission from the landowner before using a metal detector on his/her land. It is a good idea to agree in advance how you will deal with anything you might find on his/her land. You must have prior permission to use a metal detector on land owned by Cadw. Council owned common land may also be governed by bye-laws. Further information can be obtained from The National council for Metal Detecting http://www.ncmd.co.uk

If you find something......

If you find any ancient artefact take it to your local museum or police station. All Treasure finds must be reported to the Coroner within 14 days. Failure to do so is a criminal offence. The Coroner will contact the relevant body to investigate your find.

If the find is declared to be Treasure then it may be claimed by the Crown and if so the Treasure Valuation Committee will value the find and you will be awarded the full market value of the Treasure.

What if the find is not Treasure?

Remember that even if your find does not fit the Treasure criteria it may be of historical importance. It may be that your find can provide additional information about the past to archaeologists / historians. These finds can be recorded voluntarily under the Portable Antiquities Scheme http://www.findsdatabase.org.uk